Kathmandu, July 26 -- The major ruling parties are divided over President Ramchandra Paudel's decision to return the Constitutional Council (Functions, Duties, Powers and Procedures) Amendment Bill to the House of Representatives for reconsideration, arguing that it contradicts the spirit of the constitution.

While the Nepali Congress, senior coalition partner, has taken it as a natural move, the ruling CPN-UML says the President's assessment that the bill does not align with the constitution is fallacious.

"The proposed amendment bill, prima facie, appears to be contrary to the spirit and essence of the constitution, as well as to universally accepted democratic practices and norms. I fear that such a practice may limit and constrict c...